Mount Gambier’s talented trio of junior basketballers, Lauren Ross, Sara Smith and Olivia Dukalskis, members of the SA Sharks team, finished runner-up in the 2013 Under 14 Girls Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup in Albury last Saturday.

The Sharks breezed through their five minor round games, defeating Tasmania Tigers 92-54, NZ Korus 52-48, NSW Kookaburras 73-31, Vic. Bushrangers 63-39 and WA Sandgropers 81-48. They then scored comfortable wins over NSW Waratahs63-33 and Vic. Goldminers 80-55 in the finals series.

The Sharks showed tremendous fighting spirit in their 4 point loss, 61-65, to NZ Kea in the title match. The Sharks led 32-25 at half time but could not hang on against their physically stronger opponents. Lauren Ross played an impressive captain’s game, well supported by Dukalskis and Smith. The three featured strongly in the scoring during the week. Millicent player Maddi Turner was also a member of the Sharks team.

The Magpies Under 14 Girls missed out on a grand final spot, going down by just three points against cup winner NZ Kea, 61-64, in the semi-final.

This result continues the success for SA Country at this age group. Mount Gambier Development officer, Trevor Semmens coached SA Country to a win at the Cup in 2012.

SA Magpies Under 14 Boys and Girls and Under 18 Girls all made it through to the semi-finals, along with Sharks Under 16 Girls.

Mount Gambier’s Jack Wirth and Shaun Lock were both consistent contributors in the Magpies Under 14 team. They finished fourth after going down to Tasmania Devils in the playoff for third and fourth.

Brianna Walters had a fantastic week as on court leader of the third placed Magpies Under 18 team. They were undefeated after the quarter finals but went down to the very talented Vic. Goldminers in the semi-final, 55-68. Walters scored 17 points in this tough encounter. The Magpies bounced back to defeat NSW Waratahs 60-59 to finish a creditable third.

Junior Laker, Rachael Hines was the on court leader of the SA Sharks Under 16 Girls team. She was consistently the top scorer and hard worker in defence. The Sharks lost just one game in the minor rounds, defeated Tasmania Devils 55-42 in the Quarter Final but went down to NSW Waratahs 43-52 in the semi-final.

 The Under 18 players all faced tough assignments as a result of SA Country fielding three teams in the competition. Kane deWit had an outstanding week offensively, averaging around 18 points per game. Cameron Millard, Braiden Ousey and Stephen Sochacki also competed strongly during the week. Malinda Markiewicz and Georgia Green were resolute in their leadership efforts and were well supported by Kelly Lockwood, Danika Jolley and Ebony McDiarmid.

Even though the Magpies Under 16 Boys experienced a tough week, Mount Gambier’s Brad Rathjen stood out in the team. He led the scoring and did a sterling job as playmaker as the side struggled against stronger and more skilful opponents. Rathjen averaged scores in the high teens for the competition.

Mount Gambier Development Officer, Trevor Semmens was pleased with the efforts and improvement of the local players.

In summary the Junior Lakers were well prepared for the demanding week and performed really well in the 2013 Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup. Victoria Country and NSW Country again dominated the title games.NZ Kea won the Under 14 Girls title; Vic. Bushrangers won the Under 16 and 18 Girls’ titles, NSW Kookaburras the Under 14 and 16 Boys and Waratahs the Under 18 Boys’ title.